Beth Basinger celebrates 10 years of service with ADM this year!

Beth is a high school English teacher, journalism adviser, and instructional coach at ADM High School.  She was born in Ainsworth, IA and she lived there until 2nd grade when she moved to Texas.  From 2nd-6th grade, Beth lived in Austin, from 6th-9th grade, she lived in San Antonio, and she returned to Iowa (Ottumwa) for 10th-12th grade.  Beth attended college at Indian Hills (AA), Buena Vista (BA), University of Missouri (MA), and University of Iowa (MEd).  She is starting her 22nd year in her teaching career.  Prior to ADM, Beth taught high school English and journalism advisory in Knoxville, Chariton, Anamosa, and Norwalk.  She also taught some college courses at Indian Hills Community College and Kirkwood Community College.   

While working at an emergency shelter for kids in Agency, IA Beth discovered how much she enjoyed working with kids and helping them grow.  When she was in school, she had the right teachers in her corner at the right time of her life, and she felt she wanted to be that person for young people.  Both of these led to her wanting to become a teacher. 

There are many things that Beth enjoys about ADM.  She loves learning and feels she gets to learn every day in all of her roles; alongside her students, alongside her journalists, and alongside the teachers she gets to work with.  Regarding her passion for teaching and learning, Beth states, “I love helping students find their voice through their writing and storytelling.  I love having the opportunity to task them with thinking (and writing) about who they are and what they believe.  I love the leadership opportunities available to me.  I love having the opportunity to serve teachers and to be of service to our school.”  She stays with ADM because of our kids, our teaching staff, and our commitment to excellence. 

Outside of work, Beth likes spending time with her family and supporting her kids and husband in their activities.  She also loves reading, baking/cooking, running/walking, yoga, gardening, and playing with her super rambunctious puppy, Charlee.  

Thank you, Beth Basinger, for 10 years of service with ADM!